Bernard's Retirement

Our Lollipop Man, Bernard, retired today. Here are some pictures from his last day and also an article from the local press

Mr Bernard Cocklin, aged 70, retired today, 21st April 2017.

Bernard has manned the school crossing patrol at St. Richard’s R.C. Primary School in Atherton for the past eleven years.

Mrs Nulty, Headteacher at the school says that, “Bernard is a well-loved lollipop man. The children appreciate his friendly, chatty manner and the fact that he gives each of them a Christmas card. He has time for every child and the adults who bring them to school. His cheery, polite and welcoming manner is something we all miss. During his time at St. Richard’s he has always given over and above what his job description requires. A very community minded person, some years ago when there was a small fire at the school, it was Bernard, an ex-firefighter, who tackled the blaze preventing more extensive damage. Although we will all miss him greatly we do wish him a long, well- earned and happy retirement“.

Bernard said, “I’m glad I’m retiring. From leaving school I worked in the Atherton cotton factories and then in Turner Brothers at Hindley Green before joining the Fire Service at 27 years of age and being posted back to Atherton. I served twenty five years before moving to Hindley Fire Station and later retiring from the Fire Service at 55 years of age. I then looked for a job that would lead me into retirement and got in touch with School Crossing Patrols. I spent some time floating between schools before being posted back into Atherton and St Richard’s. It’s a poignant place to retire from. I’ve loved keeping the children safe, they are very polite and very easy to work with and have fun with. I have never met a nicer group of children, families and staff as I have at St. Richard’s”.